JP2002326375A - System and method for recycling ink cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method for recycling ink cartridge contributive to preservation of environment or effective use of resources. SOLUTION: User side information transmitted from a recorder 34 owned by a user through a user terminal 30 utilizing communication lines 40, 50 and 60 is received at an information management agency server 10 and processed. Server side information is then transmitted to an ink cartridge provider terminal 20 and based on the transmitted information, the ink cartridge provider collects used ink cartridge from the user and fills it with ink using an ink providing unit 110.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for realizing an ink cartridge recycling system using a communication line such as the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ink jet recording apparatus is generally mounted on a carriage and moves in the width direction of a recording sheet, and relatively moves the recording sheet in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the recording head. Paper feed means for moving. In such an ink jet recording apparatus, printing on recording paper is performed by ejecting ink droplets from a recording head based on print data. A recording head capable of discharging, for example, each of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks is mounted on the carriage, so that full-color printing can be performed by changing not only the text printing using black ink but also the discharging ratio of each ink. I have.

For this purpose, an ink cartridge for supplying each ink to the recording head is provided on a carriage. In an ordinary ink jet recording apparatus, each ink cartridge storing the black, yellow, cyan and magenta inks is mounted on a carriage and moves together with the carriage. On the other hand, in this type of recording apparatus provided for office use or business use, a large-capacity ink cartridge is disposed outside the carriage in order to cope with a relatively large amount of printing. In such an office / business inkjet recording apparatus and the above-mentioned ordinary inkjet recording apparatus, predetermined printing is performed, and when the ink in the ink cartridge is consumed, the consumed ink cartridge is discarded. It is configured so that it can be replaced with a new ink cartridge.

[0004]

In recent years, however, it has become necessary for manufacturers to collect ink cartridges, which have been discarded as consumables, as much as possible, to protect the environment, and to make effective use of resources by users. Accordingly, there has been a growing interest in refilling and reusing ink in a container of an ink-consumed ink cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to reuse an ink cartridge that has already consumed ink, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and effective use of resources. It is intended to provide systems and methods.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An ink cartridge recycling system according to the present invention, which has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, utilizes a communication line to allow a user's own recording device to communicate via a user terminal. Receiving the transmitted user side information in the information management company server,
The received information is processed and the server-side information is transmitted to the ink cartridge provider terminal. Based on the transmitted information, the ink cartridge provider collects the ink consumed ink cartridge from the user and uses the ink providing device. An ink cartridge recycling system for forming an ink cartridge filled with ink, wherein the user terminal has a user terminal side communication unit for transmitting the user side information to the information management company server; A server for storing the user-side information from the user terminal; a processing unit for processing the user-side information stored in the storage unit into the server-side information; and the server processing in the processing unit Side information to the ink cartridge provider terminal and the user A server-side communication unit that receives the user-side information from the end device, wherein the ink cartridge provider terminal receives the server-side information from the information management company server; A trader terminal-side input display unit for displaying the server-side information received by the trader terminal-side communication unit and inputting information for making the ink-filled ink cartridge based on the display information; A control unit for controlling the driving of the ink supply device in accordance with an input signal from the machine side input display unit.

[0007] With this configuration, the information on the user side transmitted from the recording device owned by the user via the user terminal is received by the information management server, and after the processing of the received information, the user side information is transmitted. The ink cartridge supplier terminal is transmitted to the terminal of the ink cartridge provider, and based on the transmission information, the ink cartridge provider collects the ink consumed ink cartridge from the user, and uses the ink providing device to convert the ink cartridge into an ink filled ink cartridge. Therefore, the ink cartridges that have been consumed can be reused, which can contribute to environmental conservation and effective use of resources.

Here, the information management company server transmits the server-side information to the user terminal from the server-side communication unit, and the user terminal receives the server-side information at the user terminal-side communication unit. The information management company server has a user terminal side input display unit for displaying side information and inputting answer information to the inquiry information among the display information, and inputting the input information in the user terminal side input display unit. It is desirable to send to.
With this configuration, when the server side information is transmitted from the information management company server to the user terminal, the server side information is displayed on the user terminal side input display section, and among the display information, Answer information to the inquiry information is input, and the input information is transmitted to the information management company server.

Preferably, the server-side information includes information indicating the remaining amount of ink, information for inquiring about replenishment, replacement, or change of ink, and / or information for inquiring about a location where an ink cartridge is provided.
With this configuration, the information indicating the remaining amount of ink, the information for inquiring about replenishment, replacement, and change of the ink, and / or the information for inquiring the location of the ink cartridge are transmitted from the ink cartridge provider terminal to the user. The information is transmitted to the terminal, and response information to the transmission information is transmitted from the user terminal to the ink cartridge provider terminal.

[0010] Further, it is preferable that the terminal of the ink cartridge supplier is located in an ink cartridge manufacturing factory, an ink cartridge dealer, and / or a convenience store. With such a configuration, a user can reliably and quickly obtain an ink cartridge filled with ink at an ink cartridge manufacturing factory, an ink cartridge dealer, and / or a convenience store.

[0011] It is preferable that the information management company server has a determining unit for determining a fee according to the content of the user side information. Because of this configuration,
In the determining unit of the information management company server, the fee is calculated reliably and quickly according to the content of the user information.

Here, it is desirable that the deciding section calculates a fee according to the number of times the user recycles the ink cartridge. With such a configuration, for example, if the fee is reduced according to the number of times the user recycles the ink cartridge, the recycling of the ink cartridge can be promoted.

It is preferable that the user side information is transmitted from the user terminal to the information management company server in response to the output of the ink end / near end signal from the printing apparatus. With this configuration, the information management company server can reliably and promptly obtain the user side information from the user terminal with the output of the ink end / near end signal from the printing apparatus.

Further, it is desirable that the user-side information includes information on the manufacture and use of the ink cartridge, information on the number of times of replenishment, replacement and change of the ink, ink-related information, and ink use environment information. With such a configuration, manufacturing and manufacturing of the ink cartridge
Information on use, information on the number of times of ink replenishment, replacement, and change, ink-related information, and ink use environment information can be reliably and quickly obtained at the information management company server.

[0015] Further, the server-side information may include information necessary for changing the consumed ink cartridge into the ink-filled ink cartridge and information indicating a charge set when the ink cartridge is provided. desirable. With this configuration, the information necessary for making the ink cartridge that has been consumed ink into the ink cartridge filled with ink and the information indicating the fee set when the ink cartridge is provided can be reliably stored in the ink cartridge provider terminal. And can be obtained quickly. Further, for a user who frequently uses the system repeatedly, it may be used as basic information such as preparing a score later.

The information management company server receives the process start signal for providing the ink cartridge transmitted from the user terminal in the server side communication unit, and sends the server side inquiry information to the user based on the received information. Transmitting to the terminal, the user terminal receives the server-side inquiry information in the user terminal-side communication unit, and inputs user-side response information to the received information in the user terminal-side input display unit. ,
Further, the input information is transmitted from the user terminal side communication unit to the information management company server. With such a configuration, when the information management company server receives the process start signal for providing the ink cartridge, server-side inquiry information is transmitted to the user terminal. On the other hand, when the server terminal receives the server-side inquiry information, the user-side answer information to the server-side inquiry information is transmitted to the information management company server.

Here, the server side inquiry information is:
It is desirable to include information for inquiring whether to provide an ink cartridge. With this configuration, when the user terminal receives the server-side inquiry information, the user-side answer information for the information for inquiring whether or not to provide the ink cartridge is transmitted to the information management company server.

Preferably, the user-side information includes information indicating the type of the ink cartridge, information indicating the remaining amount of the ink, and / or information indicating the expiration date of the ink. With such a configuration, the type of the ink cartridge (information on the model and color type of the printer to which the ink cartridge corresponds) is included.
, The information indicating the remaining amount of ink, and / or the information indicating the expiration date of the ink can be reliably and quickly obtained at the information management company server.

Further, the information management company server receives the user identification data transmitted from the user terminal in the server side communication unit, and stores the user indicated by the received user identification data and the storage unit. And a collating unit that outputs the user information corresponding to the user-side information to the processing unit when the users match with each other. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the user-side information from being mixed or leaked, and to reliably and promptly receive the service in providing the ink cartridge.

Preferably, the information management company server has a management unit for managing the server-side information processed in the processing unit in association with the user identification data. With this configuration, the management unit of the information management company server manages the server-side information from the processing unit in association with the user identification data.

Here, the user identification data is an individual I
It is desirable to include information indicating a D, a password, an identification number, and / or a name. With such a configuration, the user can be easily and reliably specified in the information management company server.

On the other hand, in the ink cartridge recycling method according to the present invention, the information management company server receives the user-side information transmitted from the recording device owned by the user via the user terminal by using the communication line. ,
Next, after processing the received information and transmitting the server-side information to the ink cartridge provider terminal, the ink cartridge provider collects the ink consumed ink cartridge from the user based on the transmitted information, To make an ink cartridge filled with ink.

According to such a method, the user information transmitted from the recording device owned by the user via the user terminal is received by the information management company server, and after the received information is processed, the user information is stored in the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge is transmitted to the provider terminal, and based on the transmission information, the ink cartridge provider collects the ink-consumed ink cartridge from the user, and uses the ink supply device to make the ink-filled ink cartridge.
Therefore, since the ink cartridges that have been consumed can be reused, a recycling system that contributes to environmental conservation and effective use of resources can be obtained.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. Processing in the information management company server and the ink cartridge provider terminal in each of the following embodiments is executed by a computer controlled by a program. This program is provided, for example, by a recording medium. As the recording medium, for example, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and other computer-readable media can be used. Further, the program recorded on the recording medium may be read by directly attaching the recording medium to a computer, or may be read by a computer via a communication line.

First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of an information management company server, an ink cartridge provider terminal, and a user terminal capable of realizing an ink cartridge recycling system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an ink cartridge recycling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an ink cartridge recycling system denoted by reference numeral 1 includes an information management company server 10, an ink cartridge provider terminal 20, a user terminal 30, and communication lines 40, 50, and 6.
0 is provided.

The information management company server 10 includes a communication unit 11,
An information processing apparatus having a storage unit 12 and a control unit 13 is connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication line 40 such as the Internet. Thus, the apparatus is configured to receive the user side information from the user terminal 30. Further, it is connected to the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 via a communication line 50 such as the Internet. With this, in response to the output of the ink end / near end signal from the recording device (described later) owned by the user, this signal is received from the user terminal 30 and the server side information is transmitted to the ink cartridge provider terminal 20. Is configured.

Here, the ink end means that, for example, for any one of the ink tanks of the ink cartridge 107K, the amount of ink measured by the recording device 34 exceeds the remaining amount of ink stored in the memory 180K of the ink cartridge 107K. Say. Ink near end refers to, for example, the ink cartridge 107K for any one of the ink tanks of the ink cartridge 107K.
This means that the difference between the remaining ink amount stored in the K memory 180K and the ink usage amount measured by the recording device 34 has reached a certain value or less.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the user side information (data) includes data 210 relating to the manufacture of the ink cartridge and data 2 relating to the use of the ink cartridge.
20, data 310 relating to the number of times of ink replenishment, replacement, and change, ink-related information 320, and ink use environment information 330, which are stored in the memory 180K of the ink cartridge 107K.

The data 210 relating to the manufacture of the ink cartridge 107K includes type data of the ink cartridge, manufacturing time data, manufacturing line data, serial number data, and data of the ink capacity in the ink cartridge. These data are mainly used to determine whether ink can be supplied to the ink cartridge 107K.

The data 220 regarding the use of ink includes:
The data includes the data indicating the remaining amount of each ink in the ink cartridge (tank) and the data of the opening timing / order flag of the ink cartridge. The data indicating the remaining amount of ink indicates the tank capacity and is used to calculate the ink injectable amount. The data of the opening timing of the ink cartridge is used for estimating the deterioration of the ink, and the timing of mounting the cartridge on the recording apparatus is recorded. In the order flag, for example, a state is recorded as to whether or not an ink cartridge has already been ordered on the assumption that the ink cartridge will be returned. If the order has already been placed, no ink is injected into the tank.

The data 310 relating to the number of times of ink replenishment, replacement, and change includes data indicating how many times ink replenishment has been performed in the past and data indicating how many times replenishment can be performed. ing. These data are used to limit the number of times of ink replenishment and the like within a certain range, to prevent occurrence of a problem, and to ensure print quality.

The ink-related data 320 includes information on the type of ink contained in each tank and the expiration date of the ink. The information on the ink type is mainly used for refilling and replacing the ink, and for specifying the ink to be injected. The expiration date of the ink
It is used by the user to determine whether to refill or replace ink.

Ink cartridge use environment information 330
The printer ID specifies the model of the recording device in which the ink cartridge 107K was last used, operating system information of the user terminal 30 to which the recording device is connected, printer driver information indicating the type and version of the printer driver, Firmware information indicating the type and version of the firmware is included. These pieces of information are used to determine whether or not the ink color type can be changed.

The use environment information of the ink cartridge according to the present embodiment means that when the type of ink in the ink cartridge (tank) is changed, the changed ink is used in the recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge is used. It refers to information used to determine whether or not it can be used normally. In general, the usage environment of an ink cartridge includes information indicating the type of a printer driver that generates print data from image data, hardware (recording device) that executes using the generated print data, and firmware of the recording device. It includes at least one of information indicating the type.

The communication section 11 is connected to the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 via a communication line 50.
Further, it has a function as an information transmitting unit for transmitting server-side information to the ink cartridge provider terminal 20, and a function as an information receiving unit for receiving user-side information and user identification data from the user terminal 30.

The server-side information includes information necessary for converting an ink-consumed ink cartridge into an ink-filled ink cartridge (including information indicating whether ink cartridges can be provided) and information set when the ink cartridges are provided. And information indicating the fee to be paid.
The user identification data includes a personal ID, a password, an identification number, and / or a name.

Here, the information required to make the ink cartridge filled with ink include information indicating whether ink can be injected, information indicating the amount of ink that can be injected, and information indicating ink replenishment, replacement, and change. The information includes information indicating the determination as to whether or not it is possible. Ink replenishment refers to injecting the same type of ink without discharging the ink remaining in the ink cartridge. Replacing the ink means discharging the remaining ink in the ink cartridge and injecting the same type of ink, and changing the ink means discharging the remaining ink in the ink cartridge and discharging a different type of ink. Means to inject.

The storage section 12 stores the user-side information received by the communication section 11. In addition, it stores ink charge information and ink-related information. As a result, the charge setting for ink provision is performed using the ink charge information, and information necessary for using ink, for example, is provided using the ink-related information. The control unit 13 includes the processing unit 13a and the determination unit 1
3b, the server side information is transmitted to the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 and the user terminal 30, and the service information (ink cartridge provider side information) from the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 and the user terminal 30 are transmitted. The server controls each component to receive user side information from the server. The processing unit 13a processes the user-side information transmitted from the storage unit 12 into server-side information. The determination unit 13b determines the content of the user-side information (for example,
The charge is determined according to the ink injection amount and the number of times the ink cartridge is recycled.

Ink cartridge provider terminal 20
Is composed of an information processing device such as a personal computer having a communication unit 21, an input display unit 22, and a control unit 23, and is connected to the information management company server 10 and the user terminal 30 via communication lines 50 and 60 such as the Internet. ing. Also, an ink cartridge provider terminal 2
0 is connected via a cable to an ink supply device 110 for converting the consumed ink cartridge into an ink filled ink cartridge. Thereby, the provision of the ink cartridge is performed by the ink providing device 11.
Ink cartridge tank mounted on the cartridge (including recycled ink tank prepared by ink cartridge provider)
This is performed by injecting ink into the inside.

The ink cartridge supplier terminal 20 is composed of terminals of an ink cartridge manufacturing factory, an ink cartridge dealer, and / or a convenience store. Further, the provision of the ink cartridge is performed by the user bringing the consumed ink cartridge to the ink cartridge provider or by a delivery service to the user by the ink cartridge provider.

The communication unit 21 receives server-side information from the information management company server 10 for each user, and transmits the received information to the user terminal 30. Input display section 2
Reference numeral 2 displays the server-side information received by the communication unit 21 and inputs information for forming an ink-filled ink cartridge based on the display information. The control unit 23 controls the driving of the ink supply device 110 by an input (drive) signal from the input display unit 22.

The user terminal 30 comprises an information processing device such as a personal computer having a communication unit 31, an input display unit 32 and a control unit 33.
0 and the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 via communication lines 40 and 60 such as the Internet,
Further, it is connected to a recording device 34 (inkjet recording device) via a cable. In the user terminal 30,
A plurality of programs to be started on a predetermined operating system are installed.

The communication unit 31 transmits the recording device 34 (the memory 1 of the ink cartridge 107K) to the information management company server 10.
80K), and receives server-side information from the information management company server 10 and service information from the ink cartridge provider terminal 20. The input display unit 32 includes a user terminal side communication unit 31.
And displays the received server-side information, and inputs answer information to the inquiry information among the display information. The control unit 33 transmits the user-side information to the information management company server 10 and the ink cartridge provider terminal 20, and the server-side information from the information management company server 10 and the ink cartridge provider terminal 2.
In order to receive service information (ink cartridge provider side information) from 0, each terminal component is controlled.

The programs include a browser for browsing Web pages, a printer driver having a function of driving the recording device 34, and an application program for generating documents and image data to be printed by the recording device 34. is there. When printing is performed, a file to be printed is transferred to the printer driver together with a print command from the application program. The printer driver performs rendering and other processing on this file to generate print data to be supplied to the recording device 34. The printing device receives the print data and executes printing.

Here, the above-described ink supply device 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are a perspective view and a sectional view schematically showing the structure of the ink cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion. In these figures, an ink cartridge having only a single ink tank is shown for the sake of simplicity. The ink cartridge 107K includes a cartridge main body 171 (FIG. 4) having an ink tank 172 (FIG. 5), an ink supply port 176 opened above and below the cartridge main body 171 and an ink discharge port 175 (FIG. 5), and a connection terminal 174. And a memory 180K having the same. The memory 180K is
It is a non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and rewritten.

On the other hand, the cartridge mounting portion 18 is fitted with rising portions 184 and 188 for fixing the ink cartridge 107K in the horizontal direction, a connector 186 connectable to the connection terminal 174, and an ink discharge port 175 of the ink cartridge 107K. A concave portion 183 for positioning the ink cartridge 107K in the direction of gravity, and a bottom portion 187 for positioning the ink cartridge 107K in the direction of gravity.
And a fixing lever 192 (FIG. 5) for fixing on the top surface 87. The fixed lever 192 is rotatably supported by a rising portion 188 of the cartridge mounting portion 18 via a support shaft 191.

Next, a method of recycling the ink cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for providing ink according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the information management company server 10 receives an ink end (near end) signal from the user terminal 30, the ink providing process shown in FIG. 6 is executed. First, when an ink end (near end) signal is output from the recording device 34 (FIG. 1) (step S101), user side information is transmitted from the user terminal 30 via the communication line 40 to the information management company server 10.
Sent to. Accordingly, the transmission information from the user terminal 30 is received by the communication unit 11, and the received information (user-side information) is stored in the storage unit 12 (step S102). Note that the output of the ink end signal (detected on the server side) starts the procedure of the normal ink supply process. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

Then, in the processing section 13a of the information management company server 10, the user side information (data used for providing ink) is read from the storage section 12 (step S1).
03), it is determined whether ink can be provided (step S)
104). This determination is made based on, for example, whether the number of replenishment, replacement, and change of the ink cartridge that has already been performed is "less than or equal to the limit value".

As a result of the determination, when it is determined that “ink can be provided” (YES in step S 104), server-side information corresponding to the remaining amount of ink for each ink tank 172 is sent from the information management company server 10 to the user terminal. 30. Accordingly, the remaining ink amount is displayed on the input display unit 32 as server-side information in the user terminal 30 (step S105). The server-side information from the information management server 10 can be transmitted as service information to the user terminal 30 via the ink cartridge provider terminal 20. FIG. 7 shows the input display unit 32.
Shows a state in which the remaining amount of ink is displayed. Accordingly, the user can determine “what kind of ink to receive” in consideration of the remaining amount of ink. This determination includes, for example, “whether to refill ink”, “whether to replace ink”, or “how much ink should be refilled”.

If it is determined in step S104 that "ink cannot be provided" (NO in step S104), a signal to that effect is output to the user terminal 30 and displayed on the input display unit 32 (step S104). S10
9).

Next, in the input display section 32, the user selects whether to receive "supplement", "replacement", or "change" of the ink for each ink tank 172 (step S106). This selection is determined by the user in consideration of the current ink remaining amount status as described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, light magenta and dark magenta have an expiration date of about one year, so "replenishment" is selected. Is considered preferable in this case. If the user desires to replenish all the inks, the user selects “replenish all”. When this selection is completed, the "selection completed" key is pressed on the input display section 32. Thereby, the selection information (user side information) is transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the information management company server 10.

However, if “change” of the ink is selected, the following process is added after step S106. In this step, in the usage environment of the ink cartridge in the recording device 34 in which the ink cartridge 107K was used last, it is determined whether or not printing can be appropriately performed using the changed ink. This determination is made based on information that specifies the type and form of software that generates data for controlling ink ejection, such as a printer driver or firmware. This is because the use environment of the ink cartridge may not be compatible depending on the type (color) of the ink. For example, it may be assumed that the color of the newly released ink does not match unless a new version of the printer driver is used, so that it may not be possible to print “cleanly”.

If the result of the determination is that the ink cannot be changed, a message to that effect is displayed on the input display section 32, suggesting again the selection of "replenishment" and "replacement". If the change can be made by changing the usage environment of the ink cartridge by another method such as version upgrade, the fact is displayed on the input display unit 32, and it is necessary to select “refill” and “replace” again. Display for inquiring about. In this case, the determination of “supportability” is made based on information for specifying the model of the recording device. For example, even if the recording device is of a type in which the firmware is installed in a rewritable nonvolatile memory, if the capacity of the nonvolatile memory is sufficient for the upgraded firmware, “compatible” is used. Will be determined.

Here, when "replenishment" is selected for all the ink tanks 172 in step S106, the current ink remaining amount status and the refilled ink are displayed above the input display section 32 as shown in FIG. The remaining battery status is displayed. In addition, “UP /
The display section of “DOWN” functions as a touch input section for setting the ink remaining amount state after replenishment (“start of provision”).
Does not function in the input display unit 32).

Then, after selecting replenishment, replacement or change of the ink, setting (adjustment) of the ink amount / display of the charge is performed (step S107). For example, when the user presses the display portion of “UP” of light cyan, the band graph of light cyan extends upward and the charge increases. In this way, the user checks the charge,
The changed ink amount can be set. In order to make all the ink cartridges full, it is only necessary to press the "all full" display portion. When the setting of the ink amount is completed, the result of the setting is displayed on the user terminal 3.
From 0, it is transmitted to the information management company server 10 as user side information.

Here, the procedure of displaying the fee and adjusting the ink amount in step S107 (steps S201 to S205) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for displaying a fee and adjusting an ink amount. In step S201, the ink supply cost is calculated based on the setting information input from the input display unit 32 in the determination unit 13b. This calculation depends on the ink supply method (replenishment / replacement / change) as follows (1),
This is performed as shown in (2).

(1) When “replenishment” of ink is selected, the product is calculated for each ink tank 172 as a product of the amount of ink to be additionally injected and the price of provided ink, and the total sum is calculated. Determined as the cost of providing ink. The ink price is the price of the ink remaining in the ink tank 172. (2) When “change” or “change” of the ink is selected, the product of the amount of ink to be injected after cleaning the ink cartridge and the price of the provided ink, the cleaning cost of the ink cartridge, and Is the ink cartridge 10
The calculation is performed every 7K, and the total is determined as the ink supply cost. The ink price is the price of the ink remaining in the ink tank 172 when “replace” is selected, and the price of the ink set by the user when “change” is selected. And

In step S202, a method of determining a deduction amount is selected. Figure 1 shows the selection of this deduction amount determination method.
Explanation will be made using 0. FIG. 10 is a flowchart shown to explain the selection procedure (step S301, step S302) of the deduction amount determination method. In step S301 shown in FIG. 10, it is determined for each ink tank 172 whether or not the ink supply method is replenishment. As a result of the determination, when the ink supply method is ink replenishment (YES in step S301), the determination unit 13b determines “no deduction”. On the other hand, if the ink supply method is “exchange” or “change” of the ink, the process proceeds to step S302.

In step S302 shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the ink remaining in the ink tank 172 has expired. As a result of the determination, the determination unit 13b
In the above, the determination is made as shown in the following (1) and (2) for each ink tank 172 according to whether or not the expiration date has passed. (1) It is within the validity period (YE in step S302)
S) In the case, half the product of the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 172 and the price of the remaining ink is subtracted. (2) It is not within the expiration date (N in step S302)
O) In the case, the total amount of the product of the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 172 and the price of the remaining ink is deducted. Note that the deduction amount is determined according to the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 172. In this case, the deduction may be determined irrespective of whether it is within the expiration date. The deduction ratio is, for example, half (50%) and full (10%).
0%).

In step S203, the deduction amount is calculated according to the selected deduction amount determination method. In this calculation, for example, 1.5 cc of ink remaining in the ink tank 117F is within the expiration date, and the price is 1 per cc.
If it is 00 yen, the deduction amount is 100 yen x 1.5cc x 0.
5 = 75 yen. In step S204, calculation and display of the payment amount are performed. This payment amount is determined in step S201.
And the deduction amount obtained in step S203. The payment amount obtained by this calculation is displayed on the input display unit 32 by the control unit 13.

Steps S201 to S20
The process 4 is repeatedly performed by the control unit 13 until the ink supply is started by pressing the “start of supply” of the input display unit 22 in the ink cartridge provider terminal 20. This repetition (update) is desirably performed at a sufficiently high frequency, for example, at an update rate of every 0.1 second. This is because if the repetition rate is sufficiently fast, the user can check the payment amount in real time while setting the ink supply amount.

Thereafter, when the server-side information (information of the result set by the user) from the information management company server 10 is displayed on the input display section 22 of the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 as shown in FIG. The cartridge 107K is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 18 of the ink supply device 110 (step S108), and “Start Provision” is pressed to perform ink replenishment, replacement, and change (step S108). The ink replenishment, replacement, and change processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
Since the procedures of “supplement”, “replacement” and “change” are different from each other, they will be described separately. The replenishment of the ink is performed by a flowchart shown in FIG.
This is executed according to step S402). here,
As described above, replenishing the ink means injecting the same type of ink without discharging the ink remaining in the ink cartridge.

In step S401, ink is injected. In this injection, the injection needle 182 (FIG. 5) is lowered and inserted into the ink supply port 176, and the discharge needle 18
1 (FIG. 5) is raised and inserted into the ink discharge port 175. In this case, the discharge needle 181 is inserted deeply so that its tip reaches near the upper portion inside the ink tank 172 (FIG. 5). And the injection needle 18
From 2 the same kind of ink as the ink remaining in the ink cartridge is injected by a set amount. On the other hand, the gas in the ink tank 172 is discharged from the discharge needle 181. In addition,
Prior to injecting the ink, the solvent of the ink may be injected from the injection needle 182 in consideration of the evaporation of the solvent in the ink after opening the ink cartridge. The amount of the solvent in the ink can be determined and set based on, for example, the timing of opening the ink cartridge.

In step S402, information on the provision of ink is stored in the memory 180 of the ink cartridge 107K.
It is written to K. This information includes the remaining amount of ink after replenishment and the update of the number of replenishment, replacement, and change. When the writing to the memory 180K is completed, the injection needle 182 and the discharge needle 181 are pulled out, and the color ink cartridge 107K can be taken out. When data indicating this state is displayed on the input display unit 22, the ink cartridge provider can take out the ink cartridge 107K from the cartridge mounting unit 18.

On the other hand, the replacement of the ink is performed by a flowchart (steps S501 to S50) shown in FIG.
It is performed according to 3). Here, replacing the ink means discharging the remaining ink in the ink cartridge and injecting the same type of ink as described above. In step S501, the ink cartridge is washed. This cleaning is started when the injection needle 182 (FIG. 5) is lowered and inserted into the ink supply port 176, and the discharge needle 181 (FIG. 5) is raised and inserted into the ink discharge port 175. In this case, the discharge needle 181
Is inserted shallowly so that its tip reaches the vicinity of the lower part in the ink tank 117K (FIG. 5). Then, an inert gas such as nitrogen is injected from the injection needle 182,
1, the remaining ink is discharged. At this time, in order to promptly discharge the ink, the ink tank 172 is required.
It is preferable to suck the ink in the inside from the discharge needle 181. Thereafter, the solvent of the ink is injected from the injection needle 182,
By discharging the ink from the discharge needle 181, the remaining ink flows out and the inside of the ink tank 172 is washed.

In step S502, ink is injected. This injection is performed in step S401 of FIG.
As in the case of the injection method described above, the operation is started by inserting the discharge needle 181 deeply so that the tip of the discharge needle 181 reaches the vicinity of the upper portion in the ink tank 172 (FIG. 5). In step S503, information on ink provision is written to the memory 180K. This information is the same as the case of “replenishment” of the ink in that the remaining amount of ink after replenishment and the update of the number of replenishment, replacement, and change are included, but the expiration date of the ink is updated. Different. In addition. Subsequent processing is the same as in the case of "replenishment" of ink.

The procedure of “change” of ink is almost the same as the procedure of “replacement” of ink. However, the memory 18
The difference is that the type (color type) of the ink changed to 0F is recorded. Here, the change of ink refers to discharging the ink remaining in the ink cartridge and injecting different kinds of ink as described above. In this way,
Ink can be injected into the ink tank to provide an ink cartridge filled with ink.

As described above, in the present embodiment, ink can be replenished, replaced or changed, and an ink cartridge having been consumed can be reused, thereby contributing to environmental conservation and effective use of resources.

Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to the case where the ink cartridge is refilled, replaced or changed when the ink cartridge is provided to obtain an ink-filled ink cartridge, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to provide an ink-filled ink cartridge enclosed in a tank.

A method of providing this ink filled ink cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an ink cartridge using the ink cartridge recycling system in FIG. 1. First, when an ink end (near end) signal is output from the recording device 34 (FIG. 1) (step S601), the user terminal 30 is output.
Transmits the user side information to the information management company server 10 via the communication line 40. Note that the output of the ink end signal starts the procedure of the normal ink cartridge provision process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be started by the expiration of the ink expiration date or by a user operation.

Next, the input display unit 3 of the user terminal 30
In 2, the server-side inquiry information (information for inquiring whether or not to provide an ink cartridge) transmitted from the information management company server 10 is displayed (step S).
602). In this case, the display of the server-side inquiry information is for inquiring the user of the necessity of providing the ink cartridge 107K.

Then, it is determined whether the user needs to provide the ink cartridge (step S603). As a result of the determination, when it is determined that “the ink cartridge needs to be provided” (YES in step S603), the user-side response information to the server-side inquiry information is stored in the user terminal 30.
Is transmitted to the information management company server 10 (step S
604). In step S603, it is determined that "there is no need to provide an ink cartridge" (step S603).
603 of N), the process of providing the ink cartridge ends.

Next, the user side information (information indicating the format of the ink cartridge 107K, information indicating the remaining amount of ink in each ink tank 172, and information indicating the expiration date of the ink) is transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the information management company. Server 1
0 is transmitted to the communication unit 11 (step S605). Accordingly, the user information received by the communication unit 11 is stored in the storage unit 12.

Then, the server side information (information indicating the price of the ink cartridge to be provided) is transmitted from the information management company server 10 to the user terminal 30. Accordingly, the server-side information received by the communication unit 11 of the user terminal 10 is displayed on the input display unit 12 (Step S606). In this case, the price of the ink cartridge is
The determination is performed by the determination unit 13b of the information management company server 10. The determined price includes a price when the ink cartridge is returned from the user who is collected by the ink cartridge provider and a price when the ink cartridge is not returned. The price of the former (when the ink cartridge is returned) is obtained by subtracting a predetermined amount from the price of the latter (when the ink cartridge is not returned). For example, subtraction of the ink remaining in the ink tank is performed by a method similar to the above-described method (the method shown in FIG. 10). The deduction of the cartridge (container) is performed based on the container price.

Here, a method of determining a fee will be described. For example, the price of an ink cartridge is 1000 yen (the breakdown is 500 yen for a cartridge as a container).
Assuming that the price of ink in the five ink tanks is 500 yen for a unit price of 100 yen, the deduction amount of the remaining ink is 200 yen (according to the method described above).
In this case, the deduction ratio of the cartridge as the container is 60.
If it is%, the deduction amount will be 500 yen in total. Therefore, the price of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is not returned is 1000 yen, and the price of the ink cartridge when the ink cartridge is not returned is 500 yen.

Thereafter, the user determines whether or not to order an ink cartridge based on the price displayed on the input display section 12 on the user terminal side (step S607). As a result of the determination, order the ink cartridge (step S
If YES in step 607), the fact is transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 via the information management company server 10 as user side information,
An ink cartridge providing process is performed using an ink providing device (ink cartridge providing device) not shown (step S608). For example, in the case of using a COD courier service, this order is sent to the information management company server 10 using the “name” and “address” as user side information.
(Ink cartridge provider terminal 20),
This is performed by the ink cartridge provider collecting the ink cartridge 107K together with the price when placing an order.

After ordering, the ink cartridge 107K
Is changed to "ordered" in the memory 180K. This prevents double ordering using the ink cartridge and erroneous receiving of ink by the ink providing device 110 after ordering. Note that no ink cartridge is ordered (N in step S607).
O) In the case, the provision process of the ink cartridge is ended.

As described above, since the user can return the ink cartridge and reuse the ink consumed ink cartridge, it is possible to contribute to environmental conservation and effective use of resources.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of an information management company server, an ink cartridge provider terminal and a user terminal capable of realizing an ink cartridge recycling system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
3 will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining an ink cartridge recycling system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, the same members as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. I do. In the figure, an ink cartridge recycling system indicated by the reference numeral 71 includes an information management company server 10, an ink cartridge provider terminal 20, and a user terminal 3.
0 and communication lines 40, 50, 60.

The information management company server 10 includes a communication unit 11
An information processing device having a storage unit 12 and a control unit 13 is connected to a user terminal 30 and an ink cartridge provider terminal 20 via communication lines 40 and 5 such as the Internet.
0 is connected.

The control section 13 has a collation section 13c and a management section 13d in addition to the processing section 13a and the determination section 13b.
0 and the server side information to the user terminal 30, and also receives service information (ink cartridge provider side information) from the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 and user side information and user identification data from the user terminal 30. Control each component of the server in order to do so.
The collation unit 13 a collates the user indicated by the user identification data received by the communication unit 11 with the user associated with the user-side information accumulated in the accumulation unit 12. Then, when the two users match, the corresponding user side information of all the user side information is transmitted from the storage unit 12 to the processing unit 13b. The management unit 13d manages the server-side information in association with the user identification data.

The user terminal 30 comprises an information processing device such as a personal computer having a communication unit 31 and an input display unit 32. The user terminal 30 is connected to the information management company server 10 and the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 by a communication line 40 such as the Internet. 60, and to the recording device 34 via a cable. The user terminal 30 has a plurality of programs installed on a predetermined operating system installed therein. The communication unit 31 transmits the user side information from the recording device 33 (the memory 180K of the ink cartridge 107K) and the user identification data from the input display unit 32 by the user input to the information management company server 10, and transmits the information management company server 10 And the service information from the ink cartridge provider terminal 20 are received. The input display unit 32 displays the server-side information received by the communication unit 31, and inputs answer information to the inquiry information and user identification data for applying for a subscription to the ink cartridge providing service among the display information.

Next, a method of recycling the ink cartridge (providing the ink) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart shown to explain the procedure for providing ink in the second embodiment of the present invention. First, when an ink end (near end) signal is output from the recording device 33 (FIG. 1) (step S701),
User side information is transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the information management company server 10 via the communication line 40. Accordingly, the transmission information from the user terminal 30 is received by the communication unit 11, and the received information (user side information) is stored in the storage unit 12 (step S702).

When the user receives ink from the ink cartridge recycling system according to the present embodiment, the user applies for an ink cartridge providing service to the information management company server 10. When applying for the ink cartridge providing service, user identification data such as a personal ID and a password are set. The user identification data is stored in the user terminal 3
0 is transmitted to the communication unit 11 of the information management company server 10 and registered in the storage unit 12 of the information management company server 10 in advance.

Next, when the user side information is received by the communication section 11, the collation section 13c verifies the user indicated by the user identification data with the user related to the user side information stored in the storage section 12 in advance. (Step S70
3). If the two users match as a result of the collation, the user side information relating to this user is transmitted from the collation unit 13c to the processing unit 13b (YES in step S704). If they do not match, a signal to that effect is sent to the user terminal 30.
(NO in step S704). When there are a plurality of user terminals 30 that have transmitted the user identification data, the user is collated as shown in step S703.

Then, in the processing section 13a of the information management company server 10, the user side information (data used for providing ink) is read from the storage section 12 (step S7).
05), it is determined whether ink can be provided (step S)
706). This determination is made based on, for example, whether the number of replenishment, replacement, and change of the ink cartridge that has already been performed is "less than or equal to the limit value".

As a result of the determination, if it is determined that “ink can be provided” (YES in step S 706), server-side information corresponding to the remaining amount of ink for each ink tank 172 is sent from the information management company server 10 to the user terminal. 30. Accordingly, the remaining amount of ink is displayed as server-side information on the input display unit 32 in the user terminal 30 (step S707).

If it is determined in step S706 that “ink cannot be provided” (NO in step S706), a signal to that effect is output to user terminal 30 and displayed on input display unit 32 (step S706). S71
2).

Next, in the input display section 32, the user selects whether to receive "supplement", "replacement", or "change" of ink for each ink tank 172 (step S708). This selection is determined by the user in consideration of the current ink remaining amount status as described above. When this selection is completed, the "selection completed" key is pressed on the input display section 32. Thereby, the selection information (user side information)
Is transmitted from the user terminal 30 to the information management company server 10.

After selecting replenishment, replacement or change of the ink (step S708), setting (adjustment) of the ink amount / display of the charge is performed (step S70).
9). In this case, the user can set the ink amount after replenishment, replacement, and change while checking the fee. Thereafter, when server-side information (information on the result of setting by the user) from the information management company server 10 is displayed on the input display unit 22 of the ink cartridge provider terminal 20, the ink cartridge 107K is mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 18. Then, replenishment, replacement, and change of the ink are performed (step S710). In steps S705 to S711, the same processes as those in steps S103 to S109 shown in the first embodiment are executed. Thus, an ink cartridge filled with ink can be provided.

As described above, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, ink can be replenished, replaced, or changed, and an ink cartridge that has been consumed can be reused. Can contribute to.

In each of the embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to an ink cartridge used in an ink jet recording apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a toner cartridge or an ink cartridge integrated with a recording apparatus. Applicable.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention, since the ink cartridges whose ink has been consumed can be reused, it is possible to contribute to environmental conservation and effective use of resources.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an ink cartridge recycling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example (1) of data stored in a memory of an ink cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example (2) of data stored in a memory of an ink cartridge;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing a schematic structure of an ink cartridge and a cartridge mounting portion.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge mounting section.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of recycling (providing ink) for an ink cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display state of the remaining ink amount in the ink cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display state on an input display unit of an ink cartridge provider terminal (server terminal).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for displaying a fee and adjusting an ink amount in the ink cartridge recycling system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a selection procedure of a method for determining a deduction amount in the ink cartridge recycling system.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are flowcharts illustrating a procedure of refilling, replacing, and changing ink in the ink cartridge recycling system.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of recycling an ink cartridge (providing ink) using an ink cartridge recycling system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an ink cartridge recycling system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of recycling (providing ink) for an ink cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Ink cartridge recycling system 10 Information management company server 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 13 Control unit 13a Processing unit 13b Determination unit 13c Collation unit 13d Management unit 18 Cartridge mounting unit 20 Ink cartridge provider terminal 21 Communication unit 22 Input display unit 23 control unit 30 user terminal 31 communication unit 32 input display unit 33 control unit 34 recording device 40, 50, 60 communication line 110 ink supply device 107K ink cartridge 171 ink cartridge main body 172 ink tank 174 connection terminal 175 ink discharge port 176 ink Supply port 180K Memory 183 Depression 184 Rising part 186 Connector 187 Bottom part 188 Rising part 191 Support shaft 192 Fixed lever

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G06F 17/60 332 B41J 3/04 102Z 512 101Z F-term (Reference) 2C056 EA19 EB20 EB29 EB38 EB45 EB56 EC26 2C061 AP01 AQ05 HJ08 HK10 HK11 HK23 HP00 HQ17 5B021 AA01 NN00 NN19

Claims (16)

[Claims] An information management company server receives user-side information transmitted from a user-owned recording device via a user terminal, and processes the received information by using a communication line. The information is transmitted to the terminal of the ink cartridge provider, and based on the transmitted information, the ink cartridge provider collects the consumed ink cartridge from the user, and uses the ink providing device to form the ink cartridge filled with the ink. Wherein the user terminal has a user terminal side communication unit for transmitting the user side information to the information management company server, and wherein the information management company server receives the information from the user terminal. A storage unit for storing user-side information, and the user-side information stored in the storage unit A processing unit for processing the server-side information into the server-side information, and transmitting the server-side information processed in the processing unit to the ink cartridge provider terminal,
A server-side communication unit that receives the user-side information from the user terminal, wherein the ink cartridge provider terminal receives a server-side information from the information management company server; A server terminal-side input display unit for displaying the server-side information received by the dealer terminal-side communication unit and inputting information for making the ink-filled ink cartridge based on the display information; A control unit for driving and controlling the ink supply device according to an input signal from an input display unit on a trader terminal side. 2. The information management company server transmits the server-side information to the user terminal from the server-side communication unit, and the user terminal receives the server-side information at the user terminal-side communication unit. It has a user terminal-side input display unit for displaying information and inputting answer information to the inquiry information of the display information, and transmits the input information input in the user terminal-side input display unit to the information management server. 2. The ink cartridge recycling system according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The server-side information includes information indicating the remaining amount of ink, information for inquiring about replenishment, replacement, or change of ink, and / or information for inquiring about a location where an ink cartridge is provided. 3. The ink cartridge recycling system according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The ink cartridge supplier terminal according to claim 1, wherein the terminal is located at an ink cartridge manufacturing factory, an ink cartridge dealer, and / or a convenience store. Ink cartridge recycling system. 5. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the information management server has a determining unit that determines a fee according to the content of the user-side information. Recycling system. 6. The ink cartridge recycling system according to claim 5, wherein the determining unit calculates a fee according to the number of times the user recycles the ink cartridge. 7. The information management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user side information is transmitted from the user terminal to the information management company server in response to an output of an ink end / near end signal from the printing apparatus. Item 7. An ink cartridge recycling system according to any one of Items 6. 8. The user-side information includes information on the manufacture and use of an ink cartridge, information on the number of times of replenishment, replacement, and change of ink, ink-related information, and information on an ink use environment. An ink cartridge recycling system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The server-side information includes information necessary for using the ink-consumed ink cartridge as the ink-filled ink cartridge and information indicating a fee set when the ink cartridge is provided. The ink cartridge recycling system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: 10. The information management company server receives an ink cartridge provision processing start signal transmitted from the user terminal in the server-side communication unit, and transmits server-side inquiry information to the user based on the received information. Transmitting to the terminal, the user terminal receives the server-side inquiry information in the user terminal-side communication unit, and inputs user-side answer information to the received information in the user terminal-side input display unit. 6. The ink cartridge recycling system according to claim 1, wherein said input information is transmitted from said user terminal side communication unit to said information management company server. 11. The ink cartridge recycling system according to claim 10, wherein the server-side inquiry information includes information for inquiring whether to provide an ink cartridge. 12. The user-side information includes information indicating a model of an ink cartridge, information indicating an ink remaining amount, and / or
12. The ink cartridge recycling system according to claim 10, further comprising information indicating an expiration date of the ink. 13. The information management company server receives the user identification data transmitted from the user terminal in the server side communication unit, and stores the user indicated by the received user identification data and the storage unit. And a collating unit that collates the user related to the user-side information and outputs the corresponding user-side information from the user-side information to the processing unit when the users match. A recycling system for an ink cartridge according to claim 12. 14. The ink according to claim 13, wherein the information management company server has a management unit that manages the server-side information processed in the processing unit in association with the user identification data. Cartridge recycling system. 15. The user identification data is a personal ID,
15. The ink cartridge recycling system according to claim 13, comprising information indicating a password, an identification number, and / or a name. 16. The information management company server receives the user side information transmitted from the recording device owned by the user via the user terminal by using the communication line, and then processes the received information. After transmitting the server-side information to the ink cartridge provider terminal, based on the transmitted information, the ink cartridge provider collects the ink consumed ink cartridge from the user, and uses the ink supply device to identify the ink-filled ink cartridge. A method of recycling an ink cartridge.